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enemy cruisers from receiving coal from neutral countries
is for neutral Governments to prohibit the export of all
coal except bunker coal. Unless neutral Governments
take such preventive measures it is not seen how they
can prevent their territory from becoming a base of
supply for the armed forces of the enemy.
3.
In the opinion of Their Lordships such prohibition
by a neutral can only be reasonably expected from neutral
countries, which under normal peace conditions do not
export coal, and whose legitimate interests do not be-
come involved. In such cases, however, Their Lordships
consider that such a step is perfectly proper and legi-
timate.
4.
In consequence of this view being adopted by the
South American States the condition of the South Atlantic
and East Pacific is now satisfactory.
5.
A parallel condition does not, unfortunately, exist
in the East Indies where the presence of large stocks
of coal and of a large number of German ships lying idle
afford an assured base of supply to enemy cruisers unless
some similar action to that adopted by the South America
States is put into force in this zone.
6. Their Lordships are desirous of removing this
potential menace to the trade of the British Empire and
of